OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – On Tuesday, May 5, The Salvation Army and Candace Cameron Bure are asking people to join the Fight for Good by providing hope and help to those impacted by the coronavirus. For millions of Americans experiencing urgent need, The Salvation Army is their first stop for help. In response to this pandemic, The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma has been providing food, safe shelter, and emotional and spiritual support; as well as youth programs, financial assistance and hygiene kits across Canadian, Cleveland and Oklahoma counties. With increased demand for aid expected to continue over the coming weeks, months, and potentially years, ongoing public support will be needed to ensure basic necessities are fulfilled with compassion and dignity.

Although this is an unprecedented time in our history, facing stark realities is not new for The Salvation Army. Throughout its 155-year ministry, it has delivered programming rooted in hope, which is a critical component to overcoming adversity.

“We hope because we have learned that though it’s dark, the dawn is coming,” said Major Stephen Ellis, area commander for The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma. “We hope because after the storm, the rescuers rise up. We hope, because though we are hard-pressed, we are not overcome.”

The Greatest Need, Now

A $25 gift of hope will ensure Americans in need have access to 10 meals, immediately. A $25 monthly gift will help provide meals during months when food insecurity is already great. To donate, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.

The Greatest Hope, Now

“Find a way to share hope,” said Ellis. “Find a way to give others a hand up out of the despair that many are driven to in these troubled times”.

If you’re unable to make a monetary donation or would like to do more on Giving Tuesday Now, The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma encourages us to share hope, together. The goal is to bring our nation together in sending comforting thoughts to those who are struggling, praying for those serving on the front lines, and directing messages of hope to those in need. There are three ways to get involved:

From May 4-5, visit The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma on Facebook @SalArmyCentralOK or Instagram @SalArmyCentralOK to post a comment, or simply share your message of hope and encouragement by tagging #10MinutesOfHope.

On May 5, join the Fight for Good Ambassador – actress, executive producer and New York Times best-selling author Candace Cameron Bure – as she calls for messages of hope on her social media channels.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Salvation Army will be taking part in #GiveFromHomeDay on April 21, 2020. This national fundraising drive puts the power of giving into the hands of Americans who are anxious to help neighbors and strangers alike who struggle with the economic and health impacts of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

With people out of work, small businesses closed, schools shut down, and seniors more isolated than ever, the concept of helping our neighbors and communities has been brought to the forefront of social conversation.

Sadly, at the same time, nonprofits like The Salvation Army have experienced a sudden and deep drop in funding as events have been canceled and the attention of loyal donors has been pulled away to other urgent personal concerns.

But for the people who rely on The Salvation Army, their needs have only increased. Furthermore, the number of new people being served is growing every day. Regardless of the pandemic, the need for assistance has not gone away. Funding is urgently needed to continue:

Feeding programs

Emergency shelter

Utility assistance

Hygiene/comfort kits

“Though this is an unprecedented situation for all of us, it’s impact will be on the most vulnerable such as homeless and low-income individuals and families,” said Major Stephen Ellis, area commander for The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma. “Thousands of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and will likely be heavily affected by these uncertain times. The Salvation Army is committed to serving those in the most need through our programs in Canadian, Cleveland and Oklahoma counties.”

The pandemic has made millions of Americans reliant on — and increasingly skilled at — the technologies that are connecting us. #GiveFromHomeDay on April 21 will focus attention on the act of giving and helping fellow Americans in the age of COVID-19.

Oklahoma City, OK – The Salvation Army continues its services in Central Oklahoma without interruption except where required to avoid congregating. In order to ensure social distancing and reduce spread of the COVID-19 virus, beginning on Monday, April 13th The Salvation Army is requesting individuals residing in Oklahoma County who need assistance to call its main line at 405-246-1100 to make an appointment.

“We are so thankful to support from the United Way of Central Oklahoma, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and our local utility partners,” said Major Stephen Ellis, area commander. “We want to ensure our neighbors in need have the resources they require any day of the year…even more so now with the state of emergency we are all facing”.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. announced its “Sinclair Cares: Your Neighbor Needs You” initiative in partnership with the Salvation Army, which will raise money for those who have been financially affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The initiative, which kicks off Tuesday, March 31st, encourages viewers across the nation to help support fellow Americans impacted by the global pandemic. All Sinclair-owned outlets will engage in on-air, digital and social media efforts to support this effort, and the company will match donations up to $100,000.

With schools closing, hourly work becoming scarce, widespread job losses, and shortages of basic needs, many Americans don’t have the financial means to support their families. To help ease the pain during this tumultuous time, each Sinclair outlet will work with its local Salvation Army field office to identify community members who have been drastically impacted by COVID-19. Viewers are encouraged to contact their local Salvation Army field offices to either put forth a neighbor in need, or to ask for personal assistance. Help can come in the form of monetary donations or specific goods.

“Now more than ever, Americans are relying on local news to stay informed about how this global pandemic is impacting the health and safety of their communities,” said Sinclair President and CEO Chris Ripley. “This unprecedented crisis calls for unity and compassion. In that spirit, we are proud to partner with local Salvation Army offices and humbly ask that viewers who have the means to support their neighbors during this challenging time donate what they can.”

Since 2017, Sinclair has worked with the Salvation Army to aid in multiple relief efforts, including Huricanes Harvey, Florence, and Michael, as well as the Midwest Bomb Cyclone, Carr Fire and recent Nashville Tornadoes. Collectively, these efforts have raised over $2 million.

Sinclair will continue to provide viewers with continued coverage of COVID-19, and its unprecedented impact on local communities across the country.

Beginning on March 31st, donations for the “Sinclair Cares: Your Neighbor Needs You” initiative can be made at https://salarmy.us/SinclairCares.

The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma is now recruiting volunteers to serve as bell ringers in Canadian, Cleveland and Oklahoma counties with the official start date of November 19thfor this holiday season.

The Salvation Army’s red kettle helps support ongoing programs and services throughout the year which makes this a very important fundraiser for the nonprofit. “Any amount of time someone can give to help ring the bell this holiday season would be greatly appreciated”, said Liz Banks, volunteer coordinator. “We have seen civic clubs, church groups, businesses, and families come together and enjoy a few hours giving back to the community.”

During the holiday season, the red kettle is The Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser providing much needed funds to support its programs and services, such as its feeding programs, emergency shelter, and utility assistance.

“By taking time out of your busy holiday schedule to sign up to ring the bell at a Salvation Army red kettle this Christmas, you will be helping local families who may be experiencing personal crises,” said Major Stephen Ellis, area commander. “Your change changes lives.”

For those interested in donating time to help ring for The Salvation Army, sign up online atwww.redkettlevolunteer.org. If anyone has any questions, please contact Liz at 405-246-1107.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Throughout September, several local hospitals and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation are partnering with The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma to feed hungry Oklahomans. INTEGRIS, Mercy and OU Medicine have joined together with the Community Foundation to provide warm meals and volunteer support at The Salvation Army Red Shield Diner & Kitchen each Thursday evening in an effort to address food insecurity throughout the Oklahoma City community.

“We serve approximately 200 diners each evening in our Red Shield Diner,” said Major Susan Ellis, area commander. “Our doors open each evening to our shelter guests first and then the community at large. Anyone in need of a free meal is welcome.”

According to the most recent studies, Oklahoma is one of the hungriest states in the country, leaving more than 120,000 Oklahoma County residents without adequate access to food. Heightening this food crisis, 52 percent of individuals experiencing food insecurity fall just shy of the poverty threshold to qualify for SNAP benefits. In Oklahoma County alone, the annual budget would require an additional $63 million to solve the problem of food insecurity, estimates Feeding America.

The Red Shield Diner & Kitchen serves free meals 365 days a year to Oklahoma County residents. Dinner is available to the public without demonstration of need. In addition, breakfast and lunch are served to individuals and families living in The Salvation Army’s emergency shelter. In 2018, the diner served over 80,000 meals with an average of 500-700 diners daily. The Red Shield Diner & Kitchen is located at 1001 N. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, OK 73107.

“Volunteering to serve in the Red Shield Diner & Kitchen is a great way to give back to those in need,” said Ellis. “There is such joy and appreciation on both sides of the table and the volunteer groups continue to return to serve in this most meaningful way.” If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Liz Banks, volunteer coordinator, at 405-246-1107 or liz.banks@uss.salvationarmy.org.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma is now giving appointments for registration to residents of Oklahoma County for its 2019 Angel Tree program. The Angel Tree program helps families with children 0 – 12, and senior citizens 62 and older by providing Christmas assistance. Last year, over 2,000 Angels received Christmas assistance through The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma’s program.

Appointments for registration will be available Monday, August 5th through Friday, August 30th at our social services office located at 1001 N Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City. Staff will be available to assist families from 8:30am to noon and from 1:00 to 4:00pm.

To receive an appointment, individuals must bring a current photo ID and proof of residency, such as a current utility bill or rent/lease receipt.

Residents of Oklahoma County and residents of ZIP codes 73159, 73165 and 73170 of Cleveland County are eligible to receive an appointment at this office.

For more information, please contact The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma at 405-246-1100 Monday through Friday during business hours.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Walmart and The Salvation Army are joining forces to provide new school supplies to local children in need during “Stuff the Bus” campaign events at the following Walmart locations on Saturday, August 3, 2019:

Walmart Supercenter, 5401 Tinker Diagonal Street, Del City

Walmart Supercenter, 1225 W I-35 Frontage, Edmond

Walmart Supercenter, 2200 W Danforth Road, Edmond

Neighborhood Market, 1301 E 2nd Street, Edmond

Walmart Supercenter, 7800 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City

Neighborhood Market, 1500 SW 59th Street, Oklahoma City

Walmart Supercenter, 1200 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon

Walmart Supercenter, 333 N Interstate Drive, Norman

Walmart Supercenter, 601 12th Avenue NE, Norman

Neighborhood Market, 911 SW 104th Street, Oklahoma City

Neighborhood Market, 13503 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Oklahoma City

As part of a nationwide effort, the “Stuff the Bus” campaign events in Canadian, Cleveland, and Oklahoma counties are just a few of the nearly 3,000 similar events taking place at Walmart stores across the country. In-store shoppers on August 3 will receive lists of supplies needed, and all they have to do to participate is purchase and drop off the requested items at The Salvation Army collection bins located inside each store.

“According to the 2018-2019 District Enrollment by Grade report on the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s website, there were over 264,000 kids enrolled in school last year in our three countywide service area. Many of these kids may need assistance to start this upcoming school year off right,” said Major Susan Ellis, area commander, from The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma. “By donating school supplies for a child in need, you’re easing the burden parents experience at the start of the school year, and helping set the right tone for these kids as they head back to school. It’s the boost of confidence they need to have a successful year.”

Walmart and The Salvation Army have collaborated for more than 30 years in an effort to meet local community needs. Supporters like Walmart help The Salvation Army serve more than 23 million Americans each year through a range of social services, helping them overcome poverty and economic hardships.

All donations made at “Stuff the Bus” campaign events will remain in the local community and will help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to local children in need.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma Women’s Auxiliary is kicking off their 14th annual Buck$ 4 Bikes fundraiser in July for Cleveland and Oklahoma counties in anticipation of Christmas.

Beginning July 1, over 100 counter top red kettles will be distributed to area businesses to collect donations. The Buck$ 4 Bikes program was founded in 2006 to help families in need at Christmas. “In 2018, 1,403 children wished for a bike and 1,403 received one thanks to the generosity of Central Oklahomans,” said Major Susan Ellis, area commander. “It is so heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from the community whether it be donating funds or helping to assemble over 1,000 bikes at Christmas.”

The Buck$ 4 Bikes program raises funds to purchase bikes in support of The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma’s Angel Tree program. Every penny donated to this cause will go to the purchase of a new Huffy bicycle with prices ranging from $37 to $62. “This annual fundraiser is more than just raising funds for bicycles,” said D’Anna Pulliam, Buck$ 4 Bikes committee chair. “It is about making a child’s Christmas wish come true. I am also extremely pleased that FedEx has confirmed free delivery once again this year of bicycles and our friends at Oklahoma Bicycle Society will be providing a new helmet for each bike purchased.”

Donations may be made by visiting one of the area businesses below by August 1st:

Need to Donate Goods?

When you donate goods to The Salvation Army, those items are then sold at our Family Stores. The proceeds are used to fund our Adult Rehabilitation Centers, where those struggling with drugs and alcohol find help, hope, and a second chance at life.

Find your nearest drop off location or call to schedule a pick up by clicking here.

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